From 2018 to 2024, research group Ibon Foundation has seen the most number of participating countries through the Balikatan Exercises. In this year’s Balikatan, 17 countries participated — a large number compared to the 2018 Balikatan which only involved four countries.
By DEE AYROSO
Progressive groups said the Filipino people will not benefit from the increased US military presence in the country, urging the public to never forget the horrors that the American troops have committed under the lopsided military deals.
A closer look reveals how VFA and the constant presence of US soldiers have been detrimental, subjecting Filipino women to gender-based abuses.
The Visiting Forces Agreement is in “full force again” as President Rodrigo Duterte recalled his earlier order to terminate the lopsided military pact between the Philippine and US government.
“…[w]hile elderly and sickly prisoners continue to be denied humanitarian release amid a deadly pandemic, Duterte has granted absolute pardon to a transphobic murderer, who has not shown an iota of remorse for his brutal crime.”
By DEE AYROSO
“During this 180-day transition period, the Filipino people must remain vigilant against any reversal by the Philippine Government or any intervention by the US government.”
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. unwittingly said something at odds with what his boss, President Rodrigo Duterte, has been saying since he came to power in 2016. The Philippines, “Teddy Boy” declared during a reception last July 4, the 243rd anniversary of American independence from Britain, cannot live without the United States of America…
“Let me state it publicly here and now, wala akong problema sa America (I have no problem with America)… We remain to be the best of friends with America.” That’s what President Duterte said a day before flying to Vietnam Wednesday for his first face-to-face diplomatic engagement with US President Donald Trump at the Asia-Pacific…
This is the second time that a US soldier is able to elude justice for committing a heinous crime against Filipino citizens here in our very own country.